Review by Luka on August 10, 2002.

Dan Swanö is truly in his prime on this one, offering the metal community another brilliant surprise we’re sure to treasure for years; this time it’s one song for an album, one progressive 40-minute behemoth that comes out as a much worthier buy than most full-length albums out there. A brilliant concept and a brilliant opus, I see Crimson as a feat of achievement and innovation not only in the fast-growing melodic death scene but in the music world itself. This is one belongs to a very special place in my collection.

The mammoth track is like an emotional epic, relating a medieval saga of war, kings, and untimely death. It progresses through the musical barrage of riffs, dizzying tempo changes, and endless little interludes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Swanö’s voice changes with the moods in the story and is very powerful, whether it’s a traditional rasp, the death growl, or a sonic clean voice.

One of the first bands that came to my mind while listening to "Crimson" was Opeth; the constant lines of melody, acoustic interludes, and occasional clean vocals... their typical trademarks are all in abundance here but arranged in a different pattern. And that pattern has the power to keep you interested in a song for 40 minutes while Opeth’s start to drag on after 10 minutes. Brilliant arrangement is the key to the genius of "Crimson", and this song proves that Swanö is truly one the top of the pile for metal songwriters.

Bottom Line: The ultimate melodic death metal anthem. If you’ll trust one band in the overpopulated death metal scene to always deliver something fresh and different, let it be Edge of Sanity.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 9.5
Overall: 10

Rating: 9 out of 10